Red Lion Chambers, well-regarded for its strong defence and prosecution work, is home to capable barristers across all levels of experience, including several standout silks. Christopher Paxton KC is ‘a tenacious practitioner who argues his client’s case with conviction’ and is highly sought after for his impressive track record in cases involving homicide and serious sexual offences. Simon Spence KC acted as lead counsel for one of the defendants in a county lines-related murder trial, which centred on an attempted robbery that took place in the deceased’s flat. Andrew Thompson is admired for his ’great case preparation and analysis’ and is currently representing a man accused of murdering his wife by repeatedly stabbing her in the chest before allegedly throwing her from a high-rise building. Jane Oldfield, noted for her ‘indefatigable attention to detail’, served as junior counsel in a case involving the murder of a two-year-old child who had been brutally beaten.
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Profile

Profile

Position

Simon Spence KC undertakes an even mix of prosecuting and defending Crime work across East Anglia and London.

Before taking silk, he worked regularly as a leading junior and often led in high-profile cases. In 2008 he was the prosecution junior in the successful prosecution of Steve Wright, the man accused of murdering five Ipswich women.

Career

Chairman of the Essex Bar Mess (2021–present)

Chairman of the East Anglian Bar Mess (2010–2021)

Legal Assessor for the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (2014–present)

Publications:

An article in the Solicitor’s Journal about the Royal Mail case cited above.

An article in the Law Gazette and appearances on Sky News and BBC News about the government’s adoption of ‘Harper’s Law’ into the current Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

Languages

French

Memberships

CBA South Eastern Circuit Northern Circuit Howard League for Penal Reform Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts

Education

Pocklington School, East Yorkshire (1974-1981)

De Montfort University LLB (1981-1984)

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Red Lion Chambers is well known for its expertise in criminal law and has exceptionally talented advocates.'
  • 'Red Lion Chambers is a very good set with extremely able counsel.'
  • 'Red Lion Chambers' depth in strength is superb.'